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Reps Threaten Arrest as Presidential Amnesty Boss Faces N26bn Audit Probe

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Reps Threaten Arrest as Presidential Amnesty Boss Faces N26bn Audit Probe

The House of Representatives has given the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro, a 72-hour ultimatum to appear before its Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. He is expected to answer audit queries involving more than N26bn. The committee warned that if he fails to show up on the scheduled date, a warrant of arrest will be issued against him.

This decision followed Otuaro’s failure to attend six previous invitations issued by the committee. During Thursday’s public hearing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Hon. Dominic Okafor moved a motion for a warrant of arrest against him, and the move was seconded by Aliyu Missau.

According to the Auditor-General’s report under review, the Presidential Amnesty Programme is alleged to have committed several financial violations. These include what the report described as “violation of the Federal Government’s e-payment policy on expenditures totalling N17.6bn; payment of N3.6bn without internal audit checks; and disbursement of N1.5bn for tuition fees without supporting documents.”

Additional allegations in the report noted “circumvention of procurement processes; issuance of cash advances exceeding approved thresholds amounting to N1.2bn, among other discrepancies.”

The Chairman of the Committee, Bamidele Salam, representing Ede North/Ede South/Ejigbo/Egbedore Federal Constituency of Osun State, said Otuaro and other PAP principal officers must appear before the panel or face legal consequences. He explained that their attendance was necessary to clarify issues raised in the audit and respond to accountability questions.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme was established to manage the disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration of ex-militants in the Niger Delta. Its mission includes reintegration, vocational training, scholarships, support for beneficiaries, and other interventions.

In its 2021 audit on non-compliance and internal financial weaknesses, the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation flagged PAP for serious irregularities. Among concerns raised was the payment of more than N1.53bn in tuition fees “for students under PAP” without evidence such as receipts, admission letters, or proof of enrolment. The report also revealed that N3.62bn was disbursed “without any internal audit check,” and noted additional issues including cash advances beyond approved limits and payments without proper documentation or accounting records.

The audit recommended that PAP justify the transactions, recover funds where necessary, return mismanaged amounts to the treasury, and provide evidence of compliance to relevant National Assembly committees.

Last year, the current Administrator, Dennis Otuaro, launched transparency and data clean-up reforms shortly after his appointment in March 2024. The exercise reviewed thousands of beneficiary records, removed duplicate entries, and re-verified scholarship and vocational training enrolments, raising hopes that systemic lapses could be corrected.

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Edo Pays ₦200m Benefits and Scholarships to Families of Deceased Workers

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Edo Pays ₦200m Benefits and Scholarships to Families of Deceased Workers

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday presented cheques and scholarships to 47 families of deceased civil servants under the state’s Group Life Insurance Scheme. The event, which took place at the Government House in Benin City, included the distribution of over ₦200 million in insurance benefits and educational scholarships to one member from each family, in collaboration with Tangerine Life Insurance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo explained that the initiative was rooted in humanity and responsibility to families who lost their breadwinners while in service. He stated, “It is not just about insurance. It is about goodness. The important thing is that you receive your entitlements because of the painful loss you have suffered. Today, we are supporting you further by giving scholarships to one member of each family. This is our way of ensuring you are not left behind.”

He praised Tangerine Life Insurance for its support and efficiency, noting that the partnership has helped position Edo State among top states in Nigeria when it comes to pension and insurance reforms. Managing Director/CEO of Tangerine Life Insurance, Kehinde Borisade, applauded the governor for transforming Edo into a model for pension reform and staff welfare. He stated, “In implementing the Pension and Insurance Acts, Edo State stands out as one of the leading states, if not the leading state. Your Excellency has shown rare leadership by caring not only for active workers, but also for the families of those who have passed on. Few states in Nigeria do this.”

Borisade revealed that the firm had paid out benefits totalling more than ₦200 million to the affected families within the year, describing it as proof of the governor’s commitment to the welfare of workers and their dependents.

This latest gesture follows a previous welfare action under the Okpebholo administration in September 2025, when the state government authorised the payment of ₦47,881,801.08 to twelve families of deceased civil servants under the contributory pension scheme. During that exercise, officials stressed that the payments were not just routine procedures but a reflection of the administration’s dedication to supporting families who lost loved ones while serving the state.

Apply for Jigawa J-TEACH Batch B Graduate Recruitment 2025

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Apply for Jigawa J-TEACH Batch B Graduate Recruitment 2025

The Ministry of Higher Education in Jigawa State has opened applications for Batch B of the J-TEACH Graduate Recruitment 2025. The programme aims to recruit qualified graduates into 25 teaching positions, with 810 graduates expected to be deployed across Jigawa State. Officials say the initiative supports education growth and expands job opportunities for young people.

Available subject areas include Agricultural Science, Arabic Studies, Basic Science, Civic Education, Commerce, Creative Art, Economics, Electrical Installation, English Language and Literature, Financial Accounting, Fisheries, Government and History, Geography, Hausa Language, Health Education, Home Economics, Home Management, Islamic Studies, Insurance, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering Craft, Office Practice, Physical and Health Education, Physics, Chemistry, Technical Drawing, Woodwork, and related fields.

To qualify, applicants must be indigenes of Jigawa State and possess a minimum qualification of either HND or Bachelor’s Degree. They must also present an NYSC certificate, active service proof, or exemption letter, along with valid educational certificates. An indigene certificate from either the state or local government area and an updated CV are also required for screening.

The deadline for applications is 10th December 2025.

Interested persons are advised to apply early to avoid missing out, create an account, complete the online form, upload required documents, and submit their application.

To apply, interested applicants should visit the J-TEACH portal portal link via https://careers.mohestjigawastate.com.ng.

9 PAP Scholars Graduate with UK Master’s Degrees

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9 PAP Scholars Graduate with UK Master’s Degrees

Nine students who received foreign post-graduate scholarships from the Presidential Amnesty Programme have successfully completed their master’s degree programmes in universities across the United Kingdom. They are the first set of graduates produced under the offshore post-graduate scholarship arrangement deployed to UK institutions by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024 to 2025 academic session.

The students graduated from Anglia Ruskin University, University of Dundee and The University of Law, earning master’s degrees in cyber security, data science, engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management and ICT. In addition to this milestone, 711 undergraduate and post-graduate beneficiaries under the PAP are expected to graduate from universities within Nigeria this year.

The PAP held a graduation reception for the successful scholars on Wednesday, 3 December, 2025, in London. Speaking at the event, Otuaro congratulated the graduates and commended their dedication, noting that they completed their programmes in record time, which reflects their seriousness.

“We congratulate these scholars on their successful graduation. It shows that they took their studies seriously. That is what we demand of every scholarship beneficiary, whether at the undergraduate or post-graduate level,” Otuaro said. He added that their achievements justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and urged other beneficiaries to remain focused on their academic goals.

The PAP Administrator restated his commitment to expanding the scholarship scheme to help indigent students from the Niger Delta access higher education and reduce the human capital development gap in the region. He explained that this commitment was behind the deployment of 3800 beneficiaries within Nigeria in the 2024 to 2025 academic year and the increase to 3900 in the 2025 to 2026 session, with 200 beneficiaries allocated for foreign scholarships.

Otuaro noted that a total of 7700 students have been deployed for the PAP scholarship scheme within Nigeria in less than two years. Within the same period, 162 students from the region have been sent for post-graduate programmes in UK universities in specialised fields.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the Niger Delta, describing the president’s support for the PAP as unprecedented. The PAP boss said, “Our decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Niger Delta. We will continue to create more higher educational opportunities for students from indigent backgrounds in our region. We are also deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate in informal education and other areas for the sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement of the region.”

Ogun Empowers 72,000 Residents as OGSTEP Project Ends

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Ogun Empowers 72,000 Residents as OGSTEP Project Ends

The Ogun State Government has announced that more than 72,000 residents have benefited from the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), a World Bank assisted initiative, marking the completion of the project in the state. The beneficiaries include 39,000 people trained under its skills programme and 33,075 farmers supported with agricultural inputs, mechanisation services, and rehabilitated facilities. The project also facilitated the issuance of over 15,000 Certificates of Occupancy across Ogun State.

Speaking during the 8th and final Implementation Support Mission of OGSTEP in Abeokuta, Chairman of the Project Steering Committee (PSC), Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, described the achievements as unprecedented. He noted that the progress recorded in the last year demonstrates Governor Dapo Abiodun’s economic vision to build institutions, develop human capacity, and expand opportunities.

Okubadejo, who also serves as Commissioner for Finance, stated that the project improved land administration through the rehabilitation of seven zonal e-planning centres and the deployment of a modern GIS and Remote Sensing platform. According to him, this has made land processes more transparent and efficient for residents and investors.

In agriculture, he disclosed that farmers received 90,431 litres of agrochemicals, 17,945 bags of fertilizers, 195,436 bags of fish feed, and 77,703 bags of poultry feed. He added that agribusinesses benefited as the project enabled firms to offtake 283,582 tons of produce, boosting market access and strengthening value chains.

His words: “OGSTEP has empowered over 39,000 individuals, including 1,400 STEM teachers, 100 Quality Assurance Officers, 120 technical instructors, over 4,000 vocational trainees, 120 Ministry personnel, over 17,000 farmers, youths and women, and 60 artisans. Additionally, 8 technical colleges were rehabilitated and upgraded, and laboratories for 22 flagship schools and 4 Education Resource Centres were fully rehabilitated and equipped, bringing the total number of institutions completed 34.”

He praised the project team for their professionalism, saying the results reflect their dedication. Okubadejo urged citizens to protect the investments made, stating, “My call to the people is that we should use it well, let’s multiply, let’s take ownership so that in another five years anyone who comes will be able to see these things that have been making the economy of Ogun State better and location have been used well.”

Chairman of the Project Technical Committee (PTC), Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, said the achievements were possible due to strong partnerships and disciplined work. He recognised the Governor’s role, noting, “Governor Abiodun’s political will and steadfast support have been the bedrock of the project’s progress.” He also appreciated the World Bank Task Team for providing technical direction throughout the implementation period.

Project Coordinator, Mosun Owo-Odunsi, explained that the mission marks the completion of the five-year World Bank support. She said the assessment was conducted to evaluate what has been achieved, what remains, and how Ogun can maintain progress.

Owo-Odunsi encouraged beneficiaries to apply the opportunities wisely, stressing that the Ogun State Government, with World Bank support, has invested heavily in infrastructure, human capital development, and tools. She urged them to ensure the benefits are maximised for long-term progress in communities across the state.

Shettima Says Imo Ready for Major Investment and Economic Transformation

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Shettima Says Imo Ready for Major Investment and Economic Transformation

Vice President Kashim Shettima has identified Imo State as a major pillar in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive and a state positioned for rapid development in technology, gas utilisation, agro-industrial processing and small and medium-scale enterprises. Speaking in Owerri at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, he stressed that the Federal Government is committed to supporting Imo through access to financing from the Bank of Industry and the Development Bank of Nigeria, alongside active Public-Private Partnerships in housing, transportation and renewable energy.

According to him, national prosperity must be driven by states taking responsibility for their own economic direction. He stated, “Nations do not rise because one corner of the map ascends while others remain dormant. Nations rise when every part discovers its promise and takes responsibility for its own economic direction.” The Vice President said Imo State holds strategic importance in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms aimed at stabilising the business environment and unlocking long-term economic expansion. He noted that the summit’s theme, Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation, strongly aligns with the reform agenda to build a resilient, competitive and inclusive economy nationwide.

“All these possibilities converge to remind us that Imo is not just ready for investment. Imo is primed for transformation,” the Vice President declared. He highlighted priority sectors capable of driving growth, including Free Trade Zones, Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, expanded gas utilisation and growth in digital infrastructure to attract ICT firms and promote a modern, knowledge-driven economy. Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investor confidence, promising that private investments will continue to be de-risked through consistent policy direction. He told investors, “The Federal Government stands ready to walk with Imo State to unlock opportunities, de-risk promising ventures and ensure that the benefits of development are felt across communities. To investors here today, the message is unmistakable: Imo is open for business. Nigeria is open for business.”

He stressed that global competitiveness is shaped by innovation, talent and technology rather than natural resources alone, urging Imo to place innovation at the centre of its development agenda. The Vice President disclosed that government programmes are ongoing to support young innovators, deepen digital skills, strengthen tech clusters and promote research collaboration with universities. “The young people of Imo are creative, ambitious and connected to the global knowledge economy. Our duty is to give them the tools, the platforms and the confidence to build the future that awaits them,” he said. Shettima projected that Imo has the capacity to become a technology hub, a contributor to national GDP, a magnet for the creative economy and a centre for SMEs and industrialisation if resources and partnerships are properly mobilised. He also urged stakeholders to embrace execution. “Let this Summit not end with good ideas alone. Let it lead to signed partnerships, funded projects and measurable outcomes that uplift lives and create jobs,” he challenged participants.

In his welcome speech, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, commended President Tinubu for reforms that he said are reshaping the investment landscape. He noted that Imo has aligned early with these reforms to take the lead in regional development. According to him, his administration has leveraged the state’s unique landmass and natural resources to create a business-friendly environment. “We are blessed with the largest game reserve estimated at 200 trillion cubic feet. So, for those looking for business in gas exploration and utilization, Imo State is the destination,” the Governor said. Uzodinma added that Imo also possesses resources such as lead, zinc, crude oil and cotton, and emphasised that agriculture remains its mainstay as the heartland of Eastern Nigeria. He pointed out that Imo ranks as the 3rd highest in human capital development index in the country. The Governor coined a new meaning for the state name, describing Imo as a place where Investment Meets Opportunities and businesses find traction.

The first female elected President of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, speaking at the event, encouraged Africa to claim its place in the global market. She described Nigeria as a powerhouse with a responsibility to lead the continent’s development direction. Gurib-Fakim expressed optimism about Africa’s future, saying Nigeria’s rising economic activity and youth opportunities are signs of hope. She pledged to bring investors in renewable energy to explore opportunities in Imo.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, in his goodwill message, emphasised that private sector participation is critical for investment development. He applauded Governor Uzodinma for taking key steps to reposition the state’s economy. Edun noted that Nigeria’s economy is already showing measurable progress, pointing out that growth under President Tinubu is higher than it was more than a decade ago and that further progress will become visible soon.

Former United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, addressed the gathering and described the summit as one of great significance. He stressed the need to tackle global uncertainty and noted that initiatives like the Imo Investment Summit can support a more peaceful society. Moon highlighted that Africa is central to solving global challenges, including achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. “Without addressing the challenges Africa is facing, we would not say we have a sustainable world,” he stated, requesting a special technology fund for the continent. He added that implementing the summit resolutions will enhance socio-economic development in Imo and transform the state into an investment hub.

The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, also gave a goodwill remark. He praised the policies of the Tinubu administration, saying they encourage businesses and investments. Dangote urged Nigerian investors to commit more investment at home and assured Governor Uzodinma that Dangote Industries will be among the biggest investors in Imo.

Immediate past Executive Vice President of AFREXIM Bank, Mr Benedict Oramah, revealed that the bank is building a multi-million-dollar facility in Imo to support the production and export of quality standard products for global markets. He commended the Governor for opening up the state through the Orashi River dredging and the establishment of the special economic zone project.

Apply for UNDP Nigeria Call for Youth Tech Solutions on Digital Violence

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Apply for UNDP Nigeria Call for Youth Tech Solutions on Digital Violence

UNDP Nigeria has opened applications for youth innovators as part of the #16DaysofActivism against Gender-Based Violence 2025. The agency announced a national call for tested, innovative and live tech solutions that can prevent, detect, respond to, or monitor digital violence against women and girls across Nigeria. According to UNDP, the initiative aims to “spotlight, support and amplify a cohort of tech savvy, innovative and creative youth change drivers” already creating gender responsive ideas to tackle online abuse.

Eligibility targets young Nigerian startup founders, social innovators, innovation hubs and labs building tech or tech enabled models that address the four categories of risks which include content risks, contact risks, conduct risks and contract risks. UNDP says women led and youth led teams are strongly encouraged to apply.

All shortlisted innovators will be engaged in the campaign, while the top six will be showcased across UNDP platforms, featured at its Lagos Innovation Center and invited to a national multi stakeholder showcase. UNDP noted that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

The application deadline is Friday, 12th December 2025.

Interested applicants are directed to apply via the link https://forms.gle/BtZX8nRPsRcJgGgt6.

Alimosho LG trains 50 youths and offers ₦3m loan for Adire business

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Alimosho LG trains 50 youths and offers ₦3m loan for Adire business

The Executive Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment following the completion of a three-week Adire attire-making training programme for 50 young residents of the council. The training was organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Alimosho Chapter, and fully sponsored by the local government as part of efforts to promote the Chairman’s development blueprint known as the WISE Agenda.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat Hall, Hon. Akinpelu Johnson announced a ₦3 million loan support fund for the beneficiaries. According to him, the fund will help the graduands purchase production materials, expand their businesses, and begin earning sustainable income. He encouraged the participants to organise themselves into groups to access the support. “Form yourselves into clusters and operate as a cooperative. The council will fund the cooperative with ₦3 million, which you will use among yourselves for material procurement and production. It is a revolving loan. You are our pride,” he said.

A key highlight of the event was the official decoration of the Executive Chairman as the Grand Patron of NYCN, Alimosho Branch, while the Vice Chairman was decorated as Patron of the council chapter of the youth body.

Hon. Akinpelu urged the graduates to take advantage of the growing national demand for Adire fabrics by producing quality materials and showcasing their work at exhibitions, markets, social events, and other public platforms. He referenced his experience at a budget retreat in Abeokuta where he was impressed by the standard of Adire fabrics on display, noting that it motivated his belief in the economic potential of the craft for local producers.

During the ceremony, participants displayed colourful Adire pieces made during the intensive training, showing skill in different production techniques. Certificates of participation were presented to all graduands, signalling a new stage of opportunity, creativity, and economic inclusion for young people in Alimosho.

Recruitment of 50,000 Police Officers: PSC Holds Stakeholders Meeting

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Recruitment of 50,000 Police Officers: PSC Holds Stakeholders Meeting

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has held a strategic stakeholders meeting in Abuja to finalise plans for the recruitment of 50,000 police officers into the Nigeria Police Force. The meeting brought together officials from the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Federal Character Commission to shape a process described as transparent, credible, and inclusive.

The Chairman of the PSC, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), was represented by DIG (Dr) Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), fdc, who also serves as a Board Member and Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Nigeria Police Force Matters. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fairness and diversity, noting that the aim is to strengthen police capacity while ensuring inclusivity. According to him, the Commission is working to ensure an open system where qualified Nigerian youths can compete fairly.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, who led the Ministry’s delegation, expressed confidence in the collaborative approach and promised that the Ministry would support the process to achieve expected results. He stated that the collaboration is aimed at restoring trust and improving recruitment outcomes.

Key resolutions were adopted at the meeting. Stakeholders agreed to enforce the Federal Character principles as required by the Constitution to guarantee equal representation from states and regions. They also highlighted what was described as a strong focus on gender inclusivity, encouraging more women to apply and participate in policing. Another decision was to adopt a transparent, technology-driven system that will be open to public scrutiny and free of interference.

The agencies present at the meeting, held on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, resolved to work together to protect the integrity of the exercise and promote national unity. They agreed that a credible recruitment process is important for building public confidence.

The Police Service Commission assured prospective applicants and the Nigerian public that “the recruitment will be conducted with the highest level of accountability and in compliance with extant laws and guidelines.” It also noted that further details, including timelines, will be made available soon, urging interested Nigerians to stay informed as preparations advance.

On Monday, there were circulating claims that the Police Service Commission portal was open. However, PSC debunked the claims, but maintained that recruitment will commence soon.

APC Chieftain Launches ₦100m Empowerment for Ondo Residents

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APC Chieftain Launches ₦100m Empowerment for Ondo Residents

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Olabode Omoyele, has launched a ₦100 million empowerment programme for residents of Okitipupa Local Government Area to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda. The initiative was unveiled under the Olabode Humanitarian Foundation and targets all 13 wards of the LGA. Omoyele said the programme reflects both his personal commitment to community development and a strategic effort to strengthen APC structures at the grassroots.

Speaking at the event, he linked the exercise to his desire to support President Tinubu’s efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians, noting that vulnerable groups such as widows, farmers, youths, and women were selected as beneficiaries. Items distributed included 1,000 bags of rice weighing 10kg each, ₦10,000 cash grants for 1,000 widows, spraying pumps, herbicides, more than 1,000 cutlasses, and various cash support to youths, men, and women.

“This is more than empowerment; it is about building trust, creating opportunities, and ensuring that our people see tangible results from our leadership. It is my personal investment in the future of our community and the continuity of Mr President’s developmental agenda,” Omoyele said at the event. He applauded President Tinubu for ongoing reforms across sectors and encouraged residents to rally behind the administration.

“At this moment in our country, Mr President deserves our support and prayers as he makes efforts to end insecurity in some parts of the country. I also urge our people to be security conscious. Security should be everyone’s business, and I believe this challenging time will soon be over,” he added. Omoyele also praised the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for strengthening APC structures in Ondo State. He highlighted initiatives such as the Asiwaju Mandate Group and the PBAT Continuity Project, describing Tunji-Ojo as a key partner in sustaining the President’s vision.

A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Continuity Project in Ondo State. The project is led by its Director-General, Pastor Femi Agagu, a former Commissioner for Education and ex-Chief of Staff to late Governor Olusegun Agagu.

The programme attracted several influential APC figures, including former Secretary to the State Government Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu; House of Representatives member Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin; Muyiwa Asagunla; Ifedayo Iji; Basorun Tony Meduoye; Nimbe Tawose; Afolabi Iwalewa; Dr Morenike Alaka; and other party leaders.

Political observers say the scale of Omoyele’s intervention, coupled with his alignment with national and state leadership, positions him as a rising political force in Ondo State and an important player in APC’s build-up to 2027.

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